Full Day Guided Fishing Trip On Amelia Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing targeting five popular speciesCaptain Kenny Crawford provides all equipment and expertiseAccommodates up to six guests on Amelia Island Sound
Get ready for an epic day on the water around Amelia Island's pristine inshore waters. Captain Kenny Crawford knows these fisheries like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 8-hour adventure. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species including black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting your feet wet, this top-rated charter provides everything you need for a productive day. The boat handles up to six anglers, making it perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate outings. Captain Kenny supplies all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge – you just bring your fishing license and get ready to bend some rods.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushed back to the dock just when the fish start biting. Eight full hours gives Captain Kenny the flexibility to follow the fish and adjust tactics based on conditions. You'll start early, hitting prime feeding windows when these species are most active. The Sound around Amelia Island offers incredible structure fishing with oyster bars, creek mouths, and deep channels that hold different species throughout the tidal changes. Kenny reads the water like a book – he knows when to work the shallow flats for reds and when to move to deeper structure for drum and cobia. The boat is rigged with quality gear, and Kenny takes pride in matching tackle to target species. No heavy ocean tackle for finicky sheepshead or light freshwater gear for king mackerel. Everything's dialed in for maximum success and fishing enjoyment.
Captain Kenny employs a variety of proven techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For redfish, you might find yourself sight casting to tailing fish on shallow flats or working live bait around structure. Black drum fishing often involves bottom fishing with crab or shrimp around bridge pilings and oyster bars. When targeting cobia, expect to do some sight fishing – these curious fish often cruise near the surface and will investigate a well-presented bait. King mackerel fishing typically means trolling spoons or live bait along current edges and structure. Sheepshead require finesse – these bait thieves demand light tackle and perfect bait presentation around structure. Kenny provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait. He keeps multiple rod setups ready so you can quickly switch between techniques as conditions change. Live bait wells keep shrimp, crabs, and baitfish lively, while the tackle box is stocked with proven artificials for when the fish want something different.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Amelia Island. These powerful fish can range from school-sized 2-pounders to massive 40+ pound giants that will test your drag system. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes drum fishing exciting is their pure pulling power – they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll bulldoze straight down and make long, steady runs that burn your forearms.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for technical anglers. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth and lightning-fast reflexes. They're notorious bait thieves, often stealing your shrimp or crab before you know they're there. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up around structure to spawn. Landing a keeper sheepshead requires perfect bait presentation, quick hooksets, and smooth pressure to keep them from wrapping you around pilings.
King mackerel bring the speed and aerial displays that get your heart pumping. These silver bullets can exceed 30 mph and launch themselves clear out of the water when hooked. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, though resident fish are available year-round. What's truly exciting about kings is their unpredictability – one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next your reel is screaming as a 20-pound king makes a blistering run.
Redfish are Florida's signature inshore species, and Amelia Island's grass flats and oyster bars provide world-class red drum fishing. These copper-colored bruisers fight with determination, making powerful runs and using their broad sides to fight in shallow water. Fall months bring the best action when reds school up for their spawning runs. There's nothing quite like sight fishing to a school of giant reds in three feet of crystal-clear water.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks with attitude are curious by nature and often approach the boat to investigate. They're powerful fighters that combine the bulldogging strength of drum with the speed of kings. Spring brings migrating cobia through Amelia's waters, while resident fish provide action year-round. Their habit of following rays and sharks makes for exciting sight fishing opportunities.
This full-day adventure with Crawfish Charters delivers the complete Amelia Island fishing experience. Captain Kenny's local expertise, combined with eight full hours on productive waters, gives you the best shot at landing multiple species and creating those fishing stories you'll tell for years. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for groups looking to share an amazing day on the water. All gear, tackle, and bait are included – just bring your valid Florida fishing license, sun protection, and appetite for great fishing. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Don't let this opportunity to fish with one of Amelia Island's top captains slip away. Book your full-day charter today and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
Captain Kenny Crawford's 33' Contender center console is built for serious fishing around Amelia Island's waters. Powered by triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes, this boat gets you to the fishing grounds fast and covers more water when you're chasing cobia, king mackerel, and redfish. The Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate schools, while the radar keeps you safe when weather moves in. Tournament-grade rods and tackle are ready to go, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. The spacious deck gives all six anglers room to cast and land their catch, plus there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your fish fresh. Whether you're targeting black drum in the shallows or running offshore for kings, this boat handles Amelia Island's waters with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the strongest fish you'll encounter in these waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 90. They love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-20 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the most action. What makes them special is that pure power when they take off. Fair warning though - keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table since the big ones get pretty tough. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a fish finder rig and keep it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters but once they commit, hold on tight because they'll test your drag.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish average 20-50 pounds and can hit 100-plus if you're lucky. They're loners that hang around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 20-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer during their spawning run gives you the best opportunities. What guests love is their curious nature - they'll actually follow the boat and inspect lures, making for exciting sight fishing. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. The key is patience and having a bucktail jig ready. When you spot one, don't rush the cast. Let them come close, then drop that jig right in front of them and work it slow.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and they'll prove it the second they hit your line. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds but we see plenty that push 50-plus in the deeper waters off Amelia Island. Look for them in 40-150 feet, usually hanging around structure or temperature breaks. Late spring through early fall is peak season when the water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84 degrees. What gets anglers hooked is that initial screaming run - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's decent on smaller ones, but it's really about the fight. Pro tip: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader when live-baiting because kings love to hit the tail section first. Troll fast and hang on when that rod doubles over.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most fun fish to target in our shallow waters. They average 20-35 inches and love cruising the flats in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and those explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and they're excellent table fare too. My favorite approach is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning or late evening. When you see that copper flash, cast ahead of them and work it slow - they can't resist a well-presented lure.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Amelia Island's waters, sporting those distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles with ease. Most run 1-8 pounds and hang tight to any structure they can find - docks, pilings, jetties, you name it. Early spring through late fall gives you the best shots at them, especially around spawning time in February through April. Guests love the challenge because these guys are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites before committing. The reward? Some of the sweetest white meat you'll find. Here's the trick: get your fiddler crab or shrimp as close to structure as possible, feel for that subtle weight, then set the hook hard when you feel them. Their bony mouths require some authority.
Amelia Island